Caramel Gingerbread Thumbprints

I’ve been a little cookie-happy this Christmas. Between the Cinnamon Chipotle Crinkles, Maple-Walnut Butter Cookies and now these Salted Caramel Gingerbread Thumbprints… let’s just say I could use a vegetable or two in my life right about now. This is my last cookie for the season though – promise!

These gingerbread cookies are soft and chewy, with a big punch of molasses. No wimpy gingerbread, here. The centers are filled with caramel and a pinch of flaky salt. They’re sticky and sweet and over the top and awesome. The crinkles and butter cookies that I shares earlier this month are great with a cup of tea or cocoa, but these gingerbread thumbprints cry out for a big, cold glass of milk.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses, ginger and egg; mix well. Sift in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Press dough into a thick, flat disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Heat oven to 350ºF and line a cookie sheet with parchment or a silicon baking mat. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange on your prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in each ball; place a caramel candy into each indentation. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the cookies look soft but set. Transfer to a rack and let cool.